The task of exegesis after Auschwitz has been to expose the anti-Judaism inherent in the Christian tradition. However, the founding of the Jewish state has also illuminated the continuation of the covenant between God and Israel. In "Paul and the Torah," Lloyd Gaston explores this dynamic, arguing that the living reality of Judaism enhances our understanding of Paul's prophetic role as the Apostle to the Gentiles.
Gaston contends that Paul's mission must be taken seriously, emphasizing that it is inappropriate to view his conversion as a transition from one religion to another. Paul's congregations were not composed of Christian Jews; they were exclusively Gentile. Consequently, Paul focused on God's promises to Abraham concerning Gentiles, which were fulfilled in the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. This inclusion of Gentiles in the elect people of God through their incorporation into Christ does not imply a displacement of Israel.
Importantly, nowhere does Paul speak of the rejection of Israel as God's chosen people, nor does he suggest that the Sinai covenant is no longer in effect for Israel. He does not portray the church as the new and true Israel. Furthermore, Paul does not oppose the Jewish understanding of Torah as it applies to Israel when he discusses the law in reference to Gentiles. For those outside the covenant God made with Israel, the law acted in an oppressive and condemning manner, necessitating liberation for the Gentiles.
Paradoxically, Paul discovers that the gospel of this liberation is already proclaimed in the Torah, understood as Scripture. This nuanced interpretation by Gaston offers a profound insight into the relationship between Judaism and early Christianity, highlighting the continuity and distinctiveness of each tradition.